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Itinerary help - Zurich to Milan w/toddler July

Posted by on

Hello,

We have the first two weeks of July booked for trip flying into Zurich and out of Milan. The trip is my wife, 23 month boy and myself. Would appreciate any comments and feedback!

4 nights Lucerne
3 nights Locarno
4 nights Lake Como
2 nights Milan

I've thought about cutting off Milan and making it a day trip. Our flight home is late in the afternoon so it could work. Our little guy usually takes an afternoon nap--it's possible for him to do it in the car or on the go but we likely would need to plan formal naps at the hotel at least a few days. We don't have much of any itinerary set-- I know we will miss out on things since we are booking last minute. Would anticipate renting a car.

Thanks for any advice!

Posted by
22275 posts

If you rent a car, it will be a large drop fee to rent in Switzerland and drop in Italy. Plus you must rent a car seat for the child. On the other hand, your itinerary is easy by train. At least don't rent a car until you get to Como.

Posted by
19 posts

It really depends on what kinds of things you like to do. I took my daughter (age 25 months) to Switzerland three years ago and we spent a lot of time on playgrounds, hiking (brought a simple carrier, not a hiking backpack baby carrier, too bulky), and enjoying the scenery. We traveled on trains. All Swiss intercity (IC) trains have a small play area on them, so it was fun to stay busy and not need to sit in a seat the whole time.
The Swiss seemed to be very welcoming towards kids. I have not travelled in Italy with children so I don’t know what that is like.
Try searching the forum for tips or places to visit with kids in Switzerland- there is a lot of good advice already posted.
I would probably also recommend not bothering with a car and take a train - just pack light and be able to carry it all with you. You don’t really need as much as you think!

Posted by
22 posts

Thank you! We will use public transit in Switzerland. We have an extra day to add somewhere and not sure if we should add another place and take one night from Lucerne.

4 nights Grindelwald
3 nights Lucerne
5 nights Lake Como

Posted by
6471 posts

As much as I like Lake Como, I was really disappointed in the crowds we experienced this past May, 2025. The lines for ferry tickets, and ferries themselves, were long and very frustrating. And- you're late to be booking lodging.
And I assume you know that Varenna and Bellagio are basically comprised of steps, so not stroller friendly.
I'm also assuming you'll have a car so that the track work between Varenna and Lecco won't be a problem?
I would not advise driving to Malpensa as the same day as your flight, there's just too much that can happen as far as traffic congestion and delays.
Short of that, and recognizing tne realities on the ground, have a great trip!

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